Editor’s note: Every team is preparing to attack its offseason to-do list, with free agency set to open on March 13 and the draft April 26-28. This is the 13th of 32 reports in 32 days looking at the offseason game plan for each team. We’ll analyze the AFC first, in alphabetical order. Tuesday: Pittsburgh Steelers. Wednesday: San Diego Chargers.

Coach Dennis Allen said the day he was introduced as the replacement for Hue Jackson that the Raiders have enough talent in place to compete for a Super Bowl next season. Offensively and special teams, perhaps.

Even then, the health of running back Darren McFadden will go a long way toward determining just how potent the offense will be after he missed the final nine games last season with a serious foot injury.

Defensively, the Raiders are without a proven starting cornerback and consistent impact players. Given their salary cap situation, lack of draft picks and changes in regime and scheme, it’s easier to envision 2012 being a rebuilding year for the Raiders than one in which they build upon their near-playoff finish last season.

This doesn’t mean the Raiders are without talented players. They have several players that they can build around for years to come—left offensive tackle Jared Veldheer, wide receiver Denarius Moore and guard Stefen Wisniewski. This season will be more about laying the foundation for sustained success in the future.

Key departures

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The Raiders aren’t expected to make much of a push to keep one-time key players Jason Campbell, Chaz Schilens, Trevor Scott and Ricky Brown. It’s also conceivable that they might opt against re-signing Michael Bush, Tyvon Branch and Samson Satele, if for no other reason than the cost it’s going to take to get them under contract. Khalif Barnes, Lito Sheppard and Matt Giordano are other starters from last year’s team uncertain of being asked back under the new regime.

Needs and targets

1. Cornerback. The Raiders parted ways with Nnamdi Asomugha last season and Stanford Routt this offseason. They saved a ton of money by doing so. In the process, they left themselves ultra thin at cornerback. Chris Johnson, Chimdi Chekwa, DeMarcus Van Dyke and Brandon Underwood are the only options on the roster as of now. Look for the Raiders to go after one of the top options in free agency, possibly Tracy Porter, Brent Grimes, Brandon Carr or Carlos Rogers. The Raiders also might follow through on a plan by former coach Jackson to convert free safety Michael Huff to cornerback, a position he played at times in college.

2. Wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey enjoyed a breakout season last year after two disappointing seasons to begin his NFL career. Rookie Denarius Moore was a revelation despite being a fifth-round draft pick. Second-year player Jacoby Ford gives the Raiders another speedy, big-play option. Even so, none can be considered a legitimate No. 1 receiver just yet. Fortunately for the Raiders, several should be available in free agency. The options that make the most sense are Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson and Marques Colston. The question is, do the Raiders want to spend the kind of money it will take to sign one of the top free agents or bank on one of their current receivers taking the next step?

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3. Running back. McFadden is fresh from the severe foot sprain. That brings about the prospect of the Raiders slapping the franchise tag on Bush, who filled in admirably for McFadden the final nine games last season. Bush wants to be a starting running back, yet knows it won’t be in Oakland as long as McFadden is on the roster. So, the Raiders likely will need to use the franchise tag on Bush if they hope to bring him back for another season. If the Raiders opt against going this route, they will enter the season with two question marks—McFadden and second-year back Taiwan Jones, who played only a handful of downs last season and remains an unknown commodity.

4. Backup quarterback. Carson Palmer is entrenched as the starter. Terrelle Pryor needs more time before he can be trusted to run the offense. The expected loss of Jason Campbell and Kyle Boller to free agency leaves the Raiders in need of a No. 2 quarterback. Desirable options include David Garrard, Vince Young, Kyle Orton and Dennis Dixon. The Raiders likely won’t have enough draft picks to use one on a quarterback, and they need someone experienced enough to be able to step in if Palmer gets hurt and to help mentor Pryor.

5. Linebacker. Rolando McClain and Aaron Curry are projected starters. However, both showed they can’t be considered top-notch every-down players. Therefore, the Raiders will be on the look for someone who might be able to provide an upgrade in case Allen or defensive coordinator Jason Tarver decides it’s time for a change. If so, suitable options include Manny Lawson, Joe Mays, Larry Grant and Ahmad Brooks.

Corkran's take

The Raiders will be active in free agency, though most of the moves will be on lower-profile players because of a lack of salary-cap room and the need to add so many players. GM Reggie McKenzie won’t shy away from spending for a high-profile free agent. However, he is making a conscious effort to stay away from offering the kind of “out-of-whack” contracts he inherited. The Raiders figure to make a trade or two before the draft in an attempt to recoup some of the draft picks expended in previous years. Even so, they likely won’t be able to acquire much top-notch talent through the draft this year. Given so many obstacles and so much change, in addition to a tough schedule, it’s a stretch to envision the Raiders faring better than last season when they finished 8-8 and remained in contention for a playoff spot through season’s end.